The
Ocean Liner Society organize regular ship visits throughout the year. Visits are
open to members, accompanied by non-members. Details of visits are sent out to
all those members who registered an interest in receiving such notifications.

In a good year we may
have ten visits, but it all depend on the generosity of the cruise line.
Most visits take place between April and September, although they can take place
at any time of year

Q: How can I get to go on ship visits?

If you are a fully paid up member
of the Ocean Liner Society and are registered as being ‘interested’ in ship
visits, you will normally be advised by letter of all forthcoming ship visits
and will have he opportunity to apply. You may be able to bring a partner or
friend, depending on the allocation available. However, on occasions when we get
short-notice visits, sometimes with a very small allocation of places, e-mail
will be used to advise members. This is a much quicker method of
communication than snail-mail (letter) and virtually free. However, members are
still required to make their application by form and send a cheque. To make sure
we have your latest contact details and have your interest in visits registered
please update your details using this Form.

Q: Which ships do you visit?

Each year we contact all
of the major cruise lines and many of the minor ones too, requesting visits. It
is at the discretion of the different lines as to which ships we are able to
visit. Not all cruise lines welcome are willing to welcome the Ocean Liner
Society onboard with open arms. Several lines have a policy of ‘travel partners’
only onboard. Our past experience has shown that the smaller cruise lines are usually more
sympathetic to our cause - which is an added bonus for us because they often
have the most eclectic and interesting ships!.

Q Where do the ship visits usually take place?

Visits are offered
wherever the different lines offer them. Often this is Dover and Southampton,
simply because those are the busiest two ports in the UK, serving most of the
major cruise lines. Harwich and Tilbury seem to be increasing in popularity with
the cruise lines. Occasionally we have been secured visits in Devon, Scotland
and Ireland.

Q: Can members suggest ship visits?

Yes, Members are welcome
to suggest ship visits to me via e-mail or letter, but the cooperation of the
cruise lines can never be guaranteed. Any visit that is secured will be offered
to all members. we are always on the lookout for interesting vessels visiting
our shores, including newbuilds. If you have industry contacts, their details
would be much appreciated too.

Q: What personal details are needed for visits and do I need to bring a
passport to the ship?

All cruise lines now
require member’s details due to heightened security and the concerns about
terrorism. Those details are typically passport details. Passports need to be
shown at ports to secure embarkation cards for visitors. All UK ports are now
secure and include X-ray machines and metal detectors in the embarkation
lounges, as airports have done for some years.

Q: Is
there a charge for ship visits?

The Ocean Liner Society
only charges a small fee (currently £5), to cover the cost of our stamps,
envelopes paper and printing. This is in addition to and fees charged by the
cruise line. Where the line does impose fees this is usually to cover costs such
as onboard refreshments.